Poland downs Canada in World League volleyball

TAMPERE, Finland (June 16, 2012)– Canada lost three close sets to Poland on Saturday in the FIVB World League men’s volleyball tournament. The Poles took the match 26-24, 25-22, 25-23.

The Canadians, who returned to the World League this spring for the first time in five years, drop to 2-9 in tournament play while the Poles, ranked fourth in the world, are 9-2.

Gavin Schmitt of Saskatoon was Canada’s top scorer with 11 points while Dallas Soonias of Red Deer, Alta., Adam Simac of Ottawa and Fred Winters of Victoria added seven apiece. Canada only made 15 offensive errors compared to 21 for the Poles.

Canada opened the match the same way they did in a five-set loss to world number-one Brazil on Friday, attacking well and retrieving balls with good defence. The opening set was tied at 22-22 and 24-24 before a Polish block sealed the win for the European side.

Canada again started well in the second leading at the second technical timeout 16-15 and was still keeping up with Poland at 20-20. But the Poles once again capitalized on their experience to notch a 25-22 win.

The third set was very similar to the previous two. There black-dressed Canadians gave nothing free to the Polish team. At 23-23 Canada had still their chances to take the set, but again Poland took the last two points with a powerful attack and an ace by Michal Ruciak.

Both Canada’s head coach Glenn Hoag and Winters said they were happy with Canada’s performance in the post-match news conference.

Canada closes out its World League season Sunday against Finland which will determine third place in Group B. Poland faces Brazil for top spot in the group.

ROSTER

Canadian team roster for Group B fourth round in World League men’s volleyball June 15-17 in